Noise-attenuating attachment for footwear

ABSTRACT

A noise-attenuating apparatus removably couple to footwear for reducing sounds associated with walking on wilderness terrain. The noise-attenuating apparatus includes a base having one end corresponding to the toe box of a shoe and a second end corresponding to the heel of a shoe. The noise-attenuating apparatus further including at least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the toe box of the shoe and at least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the heel of the shoe. The at least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the toe box end having at least one sound-dampening pad. At least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the heel end coupled to at least one sound-dampening cover. A securing system coupled to the base and adapted for securing the base to the shoe.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to noise-attenuating apparatuses that attaches to footwear. In particular, the present invention relates to a noise-attenuating attachment with replaceable noise-dampening pads for footwear and a means for raising the wearer's feet above terrain.

It is desirable to walk silently or be as quiet as possible while in the wilderness. This is especially true for hunters trying to remain hidden from and unheard by the prey they are stalking. Other outdoor enthusiasts, such as birdwatchers and nature photographers where any amount of noise might startle and scare off the animal they are trying to find, observe, or capture an image of, also want to walk silently. For both hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts, it often takes some effort and time to track and locate the animal they are looking for in the wilderness, resulting in wandering over terrains of various conditions. Often the terrain is a mix of dried leaves, branches, and pebbles, all of which by itself or together can be noisy enough to alert and scare off any wildlife, making it more challenging to locate, view, and shoot (whether by gun or camera) such wildlife.

Known noise-attenuating footwear attachments are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. For example, existing noise-reducing footwear attachments do not adequately elevate a wearer's feet above the terrain, which is often covered in various detritus that creates noise when walked thereon. In addition, conventional noise-dampening footwear attachments are often bulky and do not have replaceable pads. Thus, the sound-dampening pads often become worn after a few uses and do not withstand extended use. Finally, some slip-over noise-attenuating footwear attachments do not elevate the wearer's feet above the ground but also soak up water and mud from the ground, making for a soiled mess to clean up once home.

Thus, there exists a need for noise-attenuating attachment for footwear that improves upon and advance the design of known noise-dampening footwear. Examples of new and useful footwear apparatuses for reducing noise related to walking relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.

Disclosure addressing one or more of the identified existing needs is provided in the detailed description below. Examples of references relevant to noise-attenuating attachment for footwear include U.S. Patent References: U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,418 to Davis (“Davis”), U.S. Patent Publication 20030226281 to Carlton (“Carlton”), and U.S. Patent Publication 20050223595 to Wright (“Wright”). The complete disclosures of the above patents and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

The Davis patent discloses a footwear device for reducing walking-related noise. The Davis device is a bootie that fits over footwear. The Davis device is completely composed from fabric or fabric-like material and the sole is made from synthetic fur material. In use, the entire sole of the Davis device is in contact with the ground. Thus, even though the synthetic fur sole would muffle some of the noises associated with walking in nature, having the entire sole contact the ground creates more noise than necessary. Furthermore, the footwear cover disclosed in Davis has a permanent sole and there thus, there would be no to replace a worn sole, requiring the wearer to have to replace a pair once the device was worn.

The Carlton application discloses a detachable noise-reducing and traction enhancing element for footwear. The device in Carlton has a sandal-like structure into which a wearer's footwear would fit. Similar to the Davis device described above, the entire bottom portion of the Carlton device is in contact with the ground when in use. Thus, the Carlton device does not elevate the wearer's feet above noisy terrain. Furthermore, the device disclosed in Carlton does not provide for replaceable pads and covers, so a wearer would have to replace the device once the traction portion of the device is worn out.

The apparatus disclosed in Wright also attempts to muffle sounds associated by the footsteps of a user. The Wright apparatus appears to attach around the wearer's ankle region and splays out to entirely cover the wearer's footwear with a sound dampening material. In theory, the noises associated with the wearer's entire soles contacting the ground is muffled within the chamber created by the between the wearer's shoe and the walls of the apparatus. Wright's apparatus is clumsy to wear and awkward to walk in because it forces the wearer to walk with an unnatural wider gait. Also, the wider side walls of this apparatus could easily contact brush and other noise-creating foliage outdoors, thus defeating the very purpose for which the wearer is using the apparatus for in the first place.

SUMMARY

The present invention contemplates a noise-attenuating apparatus that can be removably couple to footwear for reducing the sounds associated with walking on wilderness terrain. The noise-attenuating apparatus of the present invention includes a base having one end that corresponds to the toe box end of a shoe and second end that corresponds to the heel of a shoe. The noise-attenuating apparatus further includes at least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the toe box end the shoe and at least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the heel end of the shoe. The at least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the toe box end further includes at least one sound-dampening pad. The at least one platform disposed on the underside of the base corresponding to the heel end further couples to at least one sound-dampening cover. A securing system couples to the base and adapted for securing the base to the shoe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective a top view of a first embodiment of the noise-attenuating footwear attachment with a strap securing system showing only the base

FIG. 1B is the drawing from FIG. 1A now showing a strap system and an outline of a boot within the noise-attenuating attachment.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the first embodiment showing a sound-dampening cover at the proximal end and sound dampening pads corresponding to the distal end of a wearer's foot, the underside of two plates with corresponding first and second array of apertures.

FIG. 3 is an offset bottom view of the first embodiment of the noise-attenuating footwear attachment further showing the sound-dampening pads coupled to corresponding platforms.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the first embodiment of the noise-attenuating footwear attachment with a securing system comprising a slight variation of the strap positioning.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the first embodiment of the noise-attenuating footwear attachment with a securing system comprising an elastic system.

FIG. 6A is a perspective of a second embodiment of the noise-attenuating footwear attachment with the strap securing system.

FIG. 6B is the drawing from FIG. 6A now showing a strap system and an outline of a boot within the noise-attenuating attachment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective of a second embodiment of the noise-attenuating footwear attachment with the elastic securing system.

FIG. 8 is a perspective of a third embodiment of the noise-attenuating footwear attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed noise-attenuating attachments for footwear will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various noise-attenuating attachments for footwear are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

Overview

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, a first example of a noise-attenuating attachment apparatus for footwear, noise-attenuating apparatus 100, will not be described. Noise-attenuating apparatus 100 includes a base 110, a distal end sound-dampening cover 130, a proximal end sound-dampening pad 132 and a strap system 140. Alternatively, noise-attenuating apparatus 100 can be attached to footwear with an elastic securing mechanism 160.

Base First Embodiment

As can be seen in FIG. 1A, base 110 includes a distal end 101 and a proximal end 102. Distal end 101 corresponds to the toe end of footwear and proximal end 102 corresponds to the heel end of footwear. In this embodiment, base 110 comprises two pieces, a distal end plate 112 and a proximal end plate 122.

Distal end plate 112 further includes a distal end plate first end 113, a distal end plate second end 115, a distal end lip 118 on either side of distal end plate second end 115. Proximal end plate 122 also includes a proximal end plate first end 123 and a proximal end plate second end 125. Distal end lip 118 on either side of distal end plate 112 accommodates the sides of proximal end plate 122 at proximal end plate first end 123. When distal end plate 112 and proximal end plate 122 are fitted together through distal end plate second end 115 and proximal end plate first end 123, the overall length of base 110 can be adjusted.

Apertures on the Distal End and Proximal End Plates

Further included on distal end plate 112 and proximal end plate 122 are a plurality of apertures that aid to secure distal end plate 112 to proximal end plate 122 once a desired length of base 110 has been achieved. Distal end plate 112 further includes a distal end plate, first array of apertures 114 and a distal end plate, second array of apertures 116. Proximal end plate 122 further includes a proximal end plate, first array of apertures 124 and a proximal end plate, second array of apertures 126. Distal end plate, first array of apertures 114 can align with proximal end plate, first array of apertures 124, while distal end plate, second array of apertures 116 align with proximal end plate, second array of apertures 126.

Noise-attenuating apparatus 100 further includes at least two base plate fasteners 150. One base plate fasteners 150 can be inserted through one of the distal end plate, first array of apertures 114 and then through one of the proximal end plate, first array of apertures 116. A second base plate fastener 150 can be inserted through one of the distal end plate, first array of apertures 124 and then through one of the proximal end plate, first array of apertures 126. When both fasteners 150 are fastened through one of the distal end plate, first array of apertures 114, through one of the proximal end plate, first array of apertures 116, and through one of the distal end plate, first array of apertures 124 and through one of the proximal end plate, first array of apertures 126, hold distal end plate 112 is secured to proximal end plate 122.

Sound Dampening Elements

Further included on noise-attenuating apparatus 100 are a proximal end sound-dampening cover 130 and distal end sound-dampening pads 132. Proximal end sound-dampening cover 130 is disposed on the underside of proximal end plate 122. The top end of proximal end sound-dampening cover 130 is attached to the underside of proximal end plate 122. The bottom end of proximal end sound-dampening cover 130 contacts the ground when noise-attenuating apparatus 100 is in use. Proximal end sound-dampening cover 130 lifts the wearer's heel above the ground, providing sufficient clearance over most noisy ground cover likely to be encountered by a hunter or other outdoor enthusiast. Proximal end sound-dampening cover 130 is made of a rubberized material either natural or synthetic. The rubberized material, provides some sound-dampening properties but also anti-skid properties. In this embodiment proximal end sound-dampening cover 130 is in the shape of a truncated cone. In other embodiments, the proximal end sound-dampening cover can be of other suitable shapes, such as, but not limited to cylindrical, cuboid, and pyramidal shapes. In yet other embodiments, the end of the proximal end sound-dampening cover that is in contact with the ground can be covered with a cloth or fabric material to increase the sound dampening capabilities of the noise attenuating apparatus.

Next, distal end sound-dampening pads 132 are coupled to distal end plate 112. Distal end sound-dampening pads 132 are disposed on corresponding platforms 134. Platforms are disposed on the underside of distal end plate 112 and can vary in height. A first distal end sound-dampening pad 132 attached to a first platform 134 is disposed along the right edge of the underside of distal end plate 112 and a second distal end sound-dampening pad 132 attached to a second platform 134 is disposed along the left edge of the underside of distal end plate 112. Platforms 134 serve to raise the distal end of a wearer's foot above the noisy terrain. Distal end sound-dampening pads 132 is composed of sound-dampening materials that is resilient, compressible, and cushioning such as felt or foam. Finally distal end sound-dampening pads 132 may be detachable from platforms 134 and replaceable when worn.

Strap System

Noise attenuating apparatus 100 further includes a strap system 140 that allows noise attenuating apparatus 100 to be attached to most footwear. Strap system 140 includes a series of straps 141 and a strap fastener 142. In order for strap system 140 to attach to base 110, both distal end plate 112 and proximal end plate 122 includes at least two strap receivers 144. Straps 141 thread through strap receivers 144 to secure noise-attenuating apparatus 100 to a wearer's footwear. Straps 141 can be one contiguous piece of material or multiple pieces of material working cooperatively to maintain footwear within noise-attenuating apparatus 100. Strap fastener 142 can tighten and loosen straps 141. Strap fastener 142 can be a buckle or a button with corresponding button receiving aperture. The main criterion here is that strap system 140 can be engaged or released with minimal noise. Furthermore, straps 141 can be made of rubberized material or a woven fabric. Finally, while FIGS. 1B and 4 show a particular arrangement for strap system 140, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that there are a multitude of ways the straps may be arranged for retaining the noise-attenuating apparatus to footwear.

Elastic Attachment

A second means for noise-attenuating apparatus 100 to couple to footwear is through an elastic securing system 160. Similar to strap system 140, elastic securing system 160, can thread through strap receivers 144. But in the example shown in FIG. 5, elastic securing system 160 is anchored to distal end plate 112 and proximal end plate 122 with grommets. Elastic securing system 160 is composed on tight, stretchy elastic material that can fit over footwear. In other embodiments, the elastic securing system can have include means for adjusting the tightness further.

Other Methods of Attachment

In other embodiments, specially-designed shoes will have a means for accepting the noise-attenuating apparatus directly incorporated into the outer sole of the shoe. The specialized shoe will have a coupler that can be mated directly with the base of the noise-attenuating apparatus. This design would eliminate the need for way to strap the noise-attenuating apparatus to the footwear, but would require specialized footwear fitted with the means for coupling to the noise-attenuating apparatus. One contemplated specialized footwear is an adaptation of existing bicycle riding shoes with soul-integrated clipping system, or potentially a boot with a ski-like binding or attachment.

Second Embodiment Detached but Coupled Plates

Turning to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a second embodiment of a noise-attenuating apparatus 200 will now be described. Noise-attenuating apparatus 200 share many similarities and identical features with the previously disclosed example. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of noise-attenuating apparatus 200 will not be described redundantly in great detail.

Coupled Base Plates

Noise-attenuating apparatus 200 has two base plates that are not in direct contact. Noise-attenuating apparatus 200 also includes a distal-end plate 212 and a proximal-end plate 222. Distal-end plate 212 further includes a distal-end plate first end 213 and a distal-end plate second end 214. Similarly, proximal-end plate 222 further includes a proximal-end plate first end 223 and a proximal-end plate second end 224. Next, a distal plate aperture 215 is disposed on distal-end plate second end 214 and a proximal plate aperture 225 is disposed on proximal-end plate first end 223. Finally, distal-end plate 212 further includes a distal-end securing aperture 216 and proximal-end plate 222 includes a proximal-end securing aperture 226.

Distal-end plate 212 is coupled to proximal-end plate 222 though a coupling bar 270. Coupling bar 270 includes a coupling bar first end 272 and a coupling bar second end 274. Coupling bar 270 further includes a series of coupling bar apertures 276 along the longitudinal body of the bar. Coupling bar first end 272 is fitted though distal-plate aperture 215 while coupling bar second end 274 is fitted through proximal-plate aperture 225. In use, coupling bar apertures 276 disposed on coupling bar first end 272 aligns with distal-end securing aperture 216 and coupling bar apertures 276 disposed on coupling bar second end 274 aligns with proximal-end securing aperture 226. Once a desired to a particular footwear is achieved, fasteners 268 secure coupling bar first end 272 to distal-end plate 212 through distal-end securing aperture 216 and coupling bar second end 274 to proximal-end plate 222 through proximal-end securing aperture 226.

Similar to noise-attenuating apparatus 100, noise-attenuating apparatus 200 includes a distal-end sound-dampening pad 232 and a proximal-end sound-dampening cover 230. Because proximal-end plate 222 has an opening to allow for some adjustability of coupling bar second end 274 through proximal plate aperture 225, the shape of proximal-end sound-dampening cover 230 is such that it is able to accommodate the opening of proximal-end plate 222.

Similar to noise-attenuating apparatus 100, noise-attenuating apparatus 200 includes a securing system that allows noise-attenuating apparatus 200 to be attached to most footwear. The means for securing noise-attenuating apparatus 200 to footwear can be either a strap system 240 or an elastic system 270 similar to those described for noise-attenuating apparatus 100.

Detached Base Plates Third Embodiment

Turning to FIG. 7, a third embodiment of a noise-attenuating apparatus 300 will now be described. Noise-attenuating apparatus 300 share many similarities and identical features with the previously disclosed example. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of noise-attenuating apparatus 300 will not be described redundantly in great detail.

Noise-attenuating apparatus 300 includes a distal-end plate 312 and a proximal-end plate 322. Noise-attenuating apparatus 300 further includes a securing system 340. Securing system 340 has a securing system distal-end 341 and a securing system proximal-end 346. Distal-end plate 312 is secured to securing system distal-end 341, while proximal-end plate 322 is secured to securing system proximal-end 346 by any suitable means such as grommet, adhesives, and other coupling means known in the art. Securing system distal-end 341 has an opening large enough for a wearer to insert the toe box of his footwear.

Securing system distal-end 341 and securing system proximal-end 346 further include a way to couple and adjust relative to one another. Securing system distal-end 341 further includes a securing system distal-end left side 342 and a securing system distal-end right side 343. Securing system proximal-end 346 further includes a securing system proximal-end left side 347 and a securing system proximal-end right side 348. Included on securing system distal-end left side 342 and on securing system proximal-end left side 347 are a series of distal-end left couplers 344 and a proximal-end left coupler 349. Similarly, securing system distal-end right side 343 and proximal-end right side 348 include a series of distal-end right couplers 345 and a proximal-end left coupler 350. Proximal-end left coupler 349 can couple to any of distal-end left couplers 344 while proximal-end right coupler 350 can couple to any of the distal-end right couplers 345. By adjusting the way proximal-end left coupler 349 is coupled to distal-end left couplers 344 and by adjusting the way proximal-end right coupler 350 is coupled to distal-end right couplers 345, the overall length of noise-attenuating apparatus 300 may be adjusted. Finally, while securing system 340 can comprise any suitable materials such as metal or woven fabric, the goal is for it to be silent when it taking on and off. Thus, in the present embodiment, securing system 340 is composed of rubberized straps and rubberized couplers.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein. 

1. A noise-attenuating apparatus adapted to removably couple to footwear, the apparatus comprising: a base configured to removably couple the footwear, the base comprising a distal end and an oppositely disposed proximal end; at least one distal-end platform disposed at the distal end of the base; at least one proximal-end platform disposed at the proximal end of the base; at least one distal-end sound-dampening cover coupled to the distal-end platform; at least one proximal sound-dampening pad coupled to the proximal-end platform; and a strap system coupled to the base and adapted for securing the base to the footwear.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one distal-end platform comprises: a first distal-end platform coupled to the base at the distal end and a second distal-end platform coupled to the base at a distal end.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the base further comprises a distal-end base plate and a proximal-end base plate configured such that the distal-end base plate can slide over the proximal-end base plate along a common longitudinal axis thus enabling an overall length of the apparatus to adjust.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the distal-end base plate further comprise a distal-end base plate-first-array of apertures and a distal end base-plate-second-array of apertures; the second base plate each further comprising a second-base-plate-first array of apertures and a second-base-plate-second-array of apertures, the first base plate first array of apertures align with the second-base-plate first array of apertures; the distal-end base plate first array of apertures align with the proximal end base plate first array of apertures while the distal end base-plate second array of apertures align with the proximal end base-plate second array of apertures; and at least one fastener configured to position the distal end base plate relative to the proximal end base plate by inserting into at least any one of the plurality of distal end base plate first-array of apertures and simultaneously inserting into at least any one of the plurality of proximal end base plate first-array of apertures whereby the distal end base plate is fixably disposed relative to the proximal end base plate.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises: a distal end base plate with at least one distal end base plate fastener and a proximal end base plate with at least one proximal end base plate fastener; the distal end base plate is adjustably connected to the proximal base plate by a coupling piece, the coupling piece comprises an array of coupling piece apertures configured to enable the at least one distal end base plate fastener to adjustably couple the coupling piece to the distal end base plate, and the at least one proximal end base plate fastener further adjustably couple the proximal end base plate whereby making the length of the overall apparatus adjustable.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strap system further comprises a releasable fastener to securely couple the apparatus to the footwear, the fastener disposed on the strap system located at the proximal end of the apparatus.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the proximal end sound-dampening pad comprises a resilient, compressible, and cushioning material.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the distal-end sound-dampening cover comprises a skid-resistant material.
 9. A noise-attenuating apparatus adapted to removably couple to footwear, the apparatus comprising: a base configured to removably couple the footwear, the base comprising a distal end and an oppositely disposed proximal end; at least one distal-end platform disposed at the distal end of the base; at least one proximal-end platform disposed at the proximal end of the base; at least one distal-end sound-dampening pad coupled to the distal-end platform; at least one proximal-end sound-dampening cover coupled to the proximal-end platform; and an elastic securing system for attaching the base of the apparatus to the footwear.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising two distal-end platforms coupled to the base at the distal end.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the proximal end sound-dampening pad comprises a resilient, compressible, and cushioning material.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the proximal-end sound-dampening cover comprises a skid-resistant material.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the base further comprises: a distal-end base plate and a proximal-end base plate configured such that the distal-end base plate can slide over the proximal-end base plate along a common longitudinal axis thus enabling an overall length of the apparatus to adjust.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: wherein the distal-end base plate further comprise a distal-end base plate-first-array of apertures and a distal end base-plate-second-array of apertures; the second base plate each further comprising a second-base-plate-first array of apertures and a second-base-plate-second-array of apertures, the first base plate first array of apertures align with the second-base-plate first array of apertures; the distal-end base plate first array of apertures align with the proximal end base plate first array of apertures while the distal end base-plate second array of apertures align with the proximal end base-plate second array of apertures; and at least one fastener configured to position the distal end base plate relative to the proximal end base plate by inserting into at least any one of the plurality of distal end base plate first-array of apertures and simultaneously inserting into at least any one of the plurality of proximal end base plate first-array of apertures whereby the distal end base plate is fixably disposed relative to the proximal end base plate.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9??, wherein the base member further comprises: a distal end base plate with at least one distal end base plate fastener and a proximal end base plate with at least one proximal end base plate fastener; the distal end base plate is adjustably connected to the proximal base plate by a coupling piece, the coupling piece comprises an array of coupling piece apertures configured to enable the at least one distal end base plate fastener to adjustably couple the coupling piece to the distal end base plate, and the at least one proximal end base plate fastener further adjustably couple the proximal end base plate whereby making the length of the overall apparatus adjustable.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastic securing system is a matrix of elastic bands attached to the base
 17. A noise-attenuating apparatus adapted to removably couple to footwear, the apparatus comprising: an external frame member comprising a distal end and an oppositely disposed proximal end; a toe strap coupled to the distal end of the external frame member and adapted to selectively couple the external frame member to the footwear and a heel strap coupled to the proximal end of the external frame member; a distal-end base coupled to the external frame member at the distal end; a proximal-end base coupled to the external frame member at the proximal end; at least one distal end platform coupled to an underside of the distal-end base; at least one proximal end platform coupled to an underside of the proximal-end base; at least one distal-end sound-dampening cover coupled to the distal-end platform; at least one proximal-end sound-dampening pad coupled to the proximal-end platform; and a fastening system for securing the apparatus to the footwear.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the distal end of the external frame member has a left-distal side and a right-distal side; the proximal end of the external frame correspondingly has a left-proximal side and a right-proximal side; the left-distal side of the external frame is adjustably coupled to the left-proximal side of the external frame; and The right-distal side of the external frame is adjustably coupled to the right-proximal side of the external frame such that the overall length of the apparatus can be adjusted.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the proximal end sound-dampening pad comprises a resilient, compressible, and cushioning material.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the distal end sound-dampening cover is made of a skid-resistant material. 